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Numbers 27 Commentary We have another leadership transition: Moses to Joshua. Civil leadership followed a different route while the priesthood transferred from father to son. Joshua isn’t Moses’ relative. He even isn’t a Levite! It’s a picture of salvation. The saint is a priest based on his family status. To be “Born-again” means more thanContinueContinue reading “Numbers 27 Commentary”

Numbers 26 Commentary The second census is taken of men 20 years and more. This is a new generation. None of the men numbered in the first census are alive at this moment. A new generation is ready to move into Canaan.At the first count, Simeon numbered 59,300. At the second count, Simeon numbers 22,200.ContinueContinue reading “Numbers 26 Commentary”

Numbers 25 Commentary A combination of Moabite women and Israel’s unfaithfulness is the main subject here. Sexual infidelity is an outward manifestation of spiritual infidelity – clearly on display here.Israel has quickly forgotten her God. We want to suspect we have the same formula as in the Book of Exodus. When Israel substituted her GodContinueContinue reading “Numbers 25 Commentary”

Numbers 24 Commentary Forget the previous description of Balaam. Overlook verse 1 and the statement that he did resort to divination previously. Focus on verse 2. Balaam is in a good and coveted place. The Spirit of the LORD takes over and Balaam is yet again the conduit for a series of critical prophetic utterances.ContinueContinue reading “Numbers 24 Commentary”

Numbers 23 Commentary The sacrifices that Balaam and Balak make in verse 1 resemble the sacrifices at the Sanctuary. But that’s where the similarity ends. Everything else is different. If the LORD God speaks to Balaam, it won’t be because of these sacrifices. He has been speaking to Balaam without these rituals! Regardless, Balaam knowsContinueContinue reading “Numbers 23b Commentary”

Numbers 23 Commentary The king of Moab (Balak) builds three sets of altars at three different locations, hoping Balaam will curse Israel. Instead, Balaam pronounces a blessing on the nation of Israel. Like a donkey, Balaam is simply a conduit of God’s message. He cannot say anything else.The first set of seven altars are erectedContinueContinue reading “Numbers 23 Commentary”

Numbers 22c Commentary Talking serpents and talking donkeys. The talking serpent of Genesis 3 is an old folktale, so we think. The talking donkey is too off to be factual, so we conclude. But the holy script reports it as a historical fact. Talking animals! Logic versus Fact is an interesting battle. Logic and FactContinueContinue reading “Numbers 22c Commentary”

Numbers 22b Commentary Balak’s mission is stated: “Now come and put a curse on these people, because they are too powerful for me. Perhaps then I will be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land.” Verse 6a. It sounds familiar. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” JohnContinueContinue reading “Numbers 22b Commentary”

Numbers 22 Commentary Location? Plains of Moab, along the Jordan and overlooking Jericho.Sihon: A powerful king of the Amorites who defeats Moab. Israel defeats the powerful Sihon (Chapter 21). Moab and its king know they don’t stand a chance against the conqueror of their conqueror. A solution must be found against the new power inContinueContinue reading “Numbers 22 Commentary”

Numbers 21b Commentary You would expect the LORD God to simply “unsend” the snakes. But He doesn’t. Of course, humans would withdraw the troops to solve a problem like this. Recall the snakes and all is square again, but that’s for humans! This chapter gives us a couple of other questions. Why didn’t God letContinueContinue reading “Numbers 21b Commentary”